Tom Hanks disappointed with Apple TV+ 'Greyhound' release
The release of the Tom Hanks movie "Greyhound" on Apple TV instead of cinemas is an "absolute heartbreak" to the film star, an interview reveals, with Hanks also using the opportunity to poke fun at Apple's PR policies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Tom Hanks (right) in 'Greyhound'
In the days before the July 10 premiere of "Greyhound" on Apple TV+, veteran actor Tom Hanks has to take on the usual gauntlet of interviews and public appearances expected of such a star. However, the movie's marketing is being tempered by the continuing coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted not only the interview, but the release of the movie and Hanks' life.
Originally intended for a theatrical release, Greyhound is instead being offered through the Apple-owned streaming service, due to COVID-19 social distancing measures closing theaters around the world. The move to the small screen for a production meant for theaters has led to disappointment for Hanks who refers to the change in plans as "an absolute heartbreak" in an interview with the Guardian.
"I don't mean to make angry my Apple overlords, but there is a difference in picture and sound quality," offers Hanks.
Apple reportedly picked up the movie from Sony Pictures for around $70 million in an auction handled by CAA Media Finance and FilmNation.
Shortly after, Hanks seemingly mocks Apple's public relations team about the interview, which had to be carried out via a video call. According to Hanks, "the cruel whipmasters at Apple" asked him to use a blank wall as a background, to prevent anyone from freely snooping Hanks' office instead of talking about the movie.
Hanks suggests he looks like he is in "a witness protection program, but here I am, bowing to the needs of Apple TV."
The release of Greyhound isn't the only thing in Hanks' life that has been harmed by COVID-19, as he was one of the high-profile celebrities to have been infected by the virus, along with his wife. In March, the pair were diagnosed with the virus and hospitalized for three days.
Set during World War II, Greyhound tells the story of Captain George Krause, a naval officer leading an international armada of ships on a mission to deliver troops and supplier to allied forces during the Battle of the Atlantic. On the way, Krause has to battle personal demons and self-doubts to become an effective leader of the Navy destroyer.
Tom Hanks (right) in 'Greyhound'
In the days before the July 10 premiere of "Greyhound" on Apple TV+, veteran actor Tom Hanks has to take on the usual gauntlet of interviews and public appearances expected of such a star. However, the movie's marketing is being tempered by the continuing coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted not only the interview, but the release of the movie and Hanks' life.
Originally intended for a theatrical release, Greyhound is instead being offered through the Apple-owned streaming service, due to COVID-19 social distancing measures closing theaters around the world. The move to the small screen for a production meant for theaters has led to disappointment for Hanks who refers to the change in plans as "an absolute heartbreak" in an interview with the Guardian.
"I don't mean to make angry my Apple overlords, but there is a difference in picture and sound quality," offers Hanks.
Apple reportedly picked up the movie from Sony Pictures for around $70 million in an auction handled by CAA Media Finance and FilmNation.
Shortly after, Hanks seemingly mocks Apple's public relations team about the interview, which had to be carried out via a video call. According to Hanks, "the cruel whipmasters at Apple" asked him to use a blank wall as a background, to prevent anyone from freely snooping Hanks' office instead of talking about the movie.
Hanks suggests he looks like he is in "a witness protection program, but here I am, bowing to the needs of Apple TV."
The release of Greyhound isn't the only thing in Hanks' life that has been harmed by COVID-19, as he was one of the high-profile celebrities to have been infected by the virus, along with his wife. In March, the pair were diagnosed with the virus and hospitalized for three days.
Set during World War II, Greyhound tells the story of Captain George Krause, a naval officer leading an international armada of ships on a mission to deliver troops and supplier to allied forces during the Battle of the Atlantic. On the way, Krause has to battle personal demons and self-doubts to become an effective leader of the Navy destroyer.
Comments
In reviewing census data for genealogy I would run across families asked how many children did you have? 14. How many still living? 4. My grandparents lost young siblings and cousins to disease. STDs were a big problem among girls and guys in uniform stateside during WWII -- my mother's job was to help treat them. So was TB -- sanitariums built across the nation to confine them. Nobody thought it was bravery to not care if you came down with these diseases. Certainly, there was sympathy sometimes, but getting sick and not pulling your weight was morally reprehensible.
Being brave by ignoring a disease. My father's WWII diary mentions some other GI's getting sick -- great way to stay behind for some R&R while others did the fighting for you. Malingering was a problem and pissed off others pulling their weight.
And I had the pleasure of contracting polio during the 50's epidemic. It was no fun.
So, coming down with Covid-19 when you are fortunate enough to be able to take precautions is really morally reprehensible -- not willing to pull your weight.
And this pandemic could be the end of the movie theater as we know it. If it had happens 20 years ago movie theaters would definitely recover since in-home streaming services were effectively nonexistent and we didn’t have large, high-quality, 4K sets with great audio quality on the cheap.
In 2020 the desire for theatrical releases on the large screen of a theater with amazing sound still exists, but the draw simply isn’t as profound as it once was (except for certain movie goers and certain films). It’s possible that some theaters chains will go under and many cineplexes could close indefinitely.
The theaters are open here with reduced capacity, but no way I’m going to breath indoors shared air just to watch a movie.
This video explains very well how antivaxers think, which also covers a lot of the poor judgment with this pandemic.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzxr9FeZf1g
The Cinemark theatre at Universal Orlando CityWalk just opened at limited capacity with theater deep cleanings between movies and social distancing. Me, I'd rather sit at home and watch a movie than waste money on an overpriced ticket, and any food/beverage you would like. Also avoids others in the theater as well. My sound system is just fine for watching a movie. I don't 50,000 watts of sound to make a movie good.
https://www.health.govt.nz/news-media/media-releases/1-new-case-covid-19-4
and making films again;
https://www.vulture.com/2020/07/new-zealand-gives-lotr-cowboy-bebop-go-ahead-for-production.html